During the past year, the town of Perth’s staff have been working hard to create a new landfill expansion site, taking on the oversight of this project themselves rather than hiring an outside team. During Tuesday evening’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Director of Environmental Services Grant Machan shared some great news about this project with Perth’s town council.
“As you know,” Machan explained, “we have had difficulty securing sufficient clay for the liner, which is critical for this project.” Suitable clay in sufficient quantity proved impossible to find, therefore “staff has been working diligently with the Minister of Environment to secure materials. We were able to secure a geosynthetic liner.”
The cost of the original proposed clay liner was expected to cost $1.2 million. The new geosynthetic liner costs just over $150 000; saving Perth one million dollars from the $4 million project.
“This is a very good news story,” celebrated Machan.
Machan shared details with council, including photos and a detailed description of how the liner is installed. “Liner sheets come in rolls like carpet – we’ll roll it out in the landfill bed,” he explained.
“This is really good news – surprising news! Let’s get it installed real quick before someone changes their mind,” laughed Mayor Fenik. “Is the [liner’s] longevity comparable to the clay?”
Machan assured council the geosynthetic liner’s lifetime is deemed to be comparable to the clay, and added that it is made in Ontario.
Councillor Brock McPherson praised Machan for finding such an excellent solution. “That’s awesome news about the liner; we’re saving a million dollars. Great work with that.”
Machan also shared that the forced main – a pressurized line through the entire landfill site – is complete. As well, the flat pad where the landfill proper is going to be is near completion. Concrete structures are in place for the pump stations, and a stormwater pond is being created.
The landfill expansion project began in April of this year.
Article by Janelle Labelle
